« | Job 7 | » |
1 "People have a hard struggle on earth. Their life is like that of a hired worker.
2 They are like a slave looking for cool shade or a hired worker waiting for payday.
3 Month after frustrating month has gone by. I have suffered night after night.
4 When I lie down, I think, 'How long before it's time to get up?' The night drags on. I toss and turn until the sun comes up.
5 My skin is covered with worms and scabs. It is cracked and covered with sores.
6 "My days pass by faster than a weaver's shuttle, and my life will end without hope.
7 God, remember, my life is like a breath. I will not get a second chance to enjoy it.
8 Those who see me now will never see me again. You watch me for a while, but then I am gone.
9 Just as clouds that come and go, people are put in the grave, never to rise again.
10 They don't come back to their old homes. The people there would not know them.
11 "So I will not be quiet! I will let my suffering spirit speak! I will let my bitter soul complain!
12 Am I one of your enemies? Is that why you put a guard over me?
13 My bed should bring me comfort. My couch should give me rest and relief.
14 But when I lie down, you scare me with dreams; you frighten me with visions.
15 So I would rather be choked to death than to live like this.
16 I hate my life—I give up. I don't want to live forever. Leave me alone! My life means nothing.
17 God, why are people so important to you? Why do you even notice them?
18 Why do you visit them every morning and test them at every moment?
19 You never look away from me or leave me alone for a second.
20 You are always watching us! If I sinned, would that hurt you? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a problem for you?
21 Why don't you just pardon me for doing wrong? Why don't you just forgive me for my sins? Soon I will die and be in my grave. You will search for me, but I will be gone."
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) is a Bible translation specifically designed to be accessible and comprehensible for people with limited reading skills or those for whom English is a second language. Originally published in 1987 by the World Bible Translation Center, the ERV was initially developed to serve the deaf community, using a simplified vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures. The goal of the ERV is to make the scriptures understandable to a wide range of readers, ensuring that everyone can grasp the essential messages of the Bible without being hindered by complex language or archaic terms.
One of the defining characteristics of the ERV is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators employed a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in plain, everyday English. This approach ensures that readers can easily comprehend the Bible’s teachings and narratives, making it a valuable resource for children, new Christians, and those with limited literacy skills. The ERV avoids technical theological terms and instead uses language that is commonly spoken, making it accessible for personal study and public reading alike.
The ERV also pays careful attention to the cultural and contextual nuances of the original manuscripts. The translators sought to present the Bible’s messages in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary readers while maintaining faithfulness to the original texts. This cultural sensitivity helps bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern readers, allowing them to connect more deeply with the biblical stories and teachings. Additionally, the ERV includes helpful footnotes and cross-references that provide further explanation and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the ERV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the simplified language and thought-for-thought approach can sometimes result in a loss of depth and richness found in the original texts. Some theologians believe that the ERV’s emphasis on accessibility may lead to oversimplification of complex theological concepts. Nonetheless, the Easy-To-Read Version remains a highly valuable translation for its target audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps people of all backgrounds engage with and understand the scriptures.